Good Agricultural practices ORGANIC FARMING - Efresh India

Good Agricultural practices 

ORGANIC FARMING

ORGANIC FARMING 

ORIGIN 

• JI J.I. Rodale coined the word “organic” 

(1940’s)principal figure in U.S. organic 

agriculture. 

• Rodale’s concepts drawn primarily from 

British agronomists Sir Albert Howard 

‐“An Agricultural Testament” (1943) 

‐ “The Soil and Health” (1947) 

‐Natural approach to building soil 

‐fertility, return wastes to the soil 

J.I. Rodale 

The Pioneers 

Sir Albert Howard


• What is organic farming? 

• Organic farming works in harmony with nature 

rather than against it. This involves 

• using techniques to achieve good crop yields 

without harming the natural 

• environment or the people who live and work in 

it. 

• The methods and materials that organic farmers 

use are summarised as follows:


• To keep and build good soil structure and 

fertility: 

• recycled and composted crop wastes and 

animal manures 

• the right soil cultivation at the right time 

• crop rotation 

• green manures and legumes 

• mulching lh on the soil surface


To control pests, diseases and weeds: 

• careful planning and crop choice 

• the use of resistant crops 

• good cultivation practice 

• crop rotation 

• encouraging useful predators dt that t eat pests 

• increasing genetic diversity 

• using natural pesticides 

Organic farming also involves: 

• careful use of water resources 

• good animal husbandry

• Definitions: 


• As per National Organic Standards Board : 

“an ecological production management system that 

promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles 

and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of 

off‐farm farm inputs and on management practices that 

restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.” 

• According to the definition of the Codex Alimentarius: 

“Organic agriculture is a holistic production management 

system which promotes and enhances agro‐ecosystem 

health , including biodiversity ,biological cycles and soil 

biological activity”.


• Products labeled as “Organic” are those certified as 

having been produced through clearly defined organic 

production methods. 

• In other words “Organic” is a claim li on the 

production process rather than a claim on the product 

itself.


Foundational Principles & Practices of organic Crop Production


PRACTICES &TOOLS FOR ORGANIC CROP PRODUCTION 

• Crop Rotation 

• Green manures & cover crops 

• Manures & compost 

• Intercropping & companion planting 

• Biological pest control 

• Mulching lhi 

• Biorational pesticides 

• Buffers & barriers 

CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES OF ORGANIC FARMING IN 

INDIA 

• Organic agriculture in India is not keeping in tune with the rising demand 

for organic products 

• Flow chart below illustrate key factors limiting organic agriculture in 

India .



STATUS OF ORGANIC FARMING 

INDIAN SCENARIO: 

•It is estimated that 65%of the countries cropped area is organic by 

default in view of fragmented land holdings and limited financial 

capacity to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides 

•India’s inherent advantages viz. Varied agro climatic regions, Local 

self sustaining agri systems ,sizable no. of progressive farmers and 

readily available inexpensive manpower favours cultivation of vast 

baskets of organic products. 

•Area under certified organic farming in India is estimated at 2.5 

million hectors ,inclusive of 2.4 24million hectors of wild herbs in the 

forest areas of M.P.& U.P.


MAJOR CROP PRODUCTS PRODUCED IN INDIA UNDER ORGANIC FARMING


Percentage share of organic products in India


Geographical spread of organic cropped area in India


Domestic Demand 

• Although the domestic market is nascent, there is huge growth 

potential 

• Presently the market ktis confined mostly to Mt Metros & tier 1 cities 

• Lack of assured supplies is hampering the demand satisfaction 

Export Market: 

•India exports over 31 organic products .Organic agriculture export 

marketis one of the major drivers of organic agriculture in India. 

•India is best known as the biggest exporter of Organic tea.other 

organic products with a niche markets are Spices and Fruits. 

•Among the fruit crops, Bananas ,Mangoes & Oranges are the most 

preferred organic products. 

Key organic items of export importance are fruits and vegetables, 

sesame, basmati rice , fruit pulp, fruit juices, spices, cashew, tea, 

coffee, cotton and wheat. India has production advantages in most 

of these products


STATUS OF ORGANIC FARMING 

WORLD SCENARIO: 

‣35 million hectares of agricultural land are managed organically 

‣In addition to the certified organic agricultural land (including 

‣ in‐conversion areas) there are: 

• 0.4 million hectares of organic aquaculture areas 

• 31.1 million hectares of organic wild collection and bee keeping 

areas 

• 0.3 million hectares of further non‐agricultural land 

‣More than one third of the world‘s organic agricultural land is in 

Oceania (35%) , followed by Europe and Latin America (both 

23%). 

‣Eight countries have more than 1 million hectares of organic 

agricultural land. 

‣ Six countries/areas have more than 10 percent organic land. 

‣ 1.4 million organic producers were reported.


Geographical Spread of Organic Agricultural land Across The World ‐ 2008


Top 10 Countries Engaged In Organic Farming ‐ 2008


Development of organic agricultural land and other organic areas 1999 to 2008


Top 10 Countries With The Largest Numbers Of Organic Producers 2008


Global organic market: The ten countries with the largest markets for organic 

g g g 

food 2008


OUTLOOK 

According to a report on organic agriculture prepared by 

UNEPUNCTAD , the global market for certified organic 

products is forecast to increase to 52 billion Euros by 

2012. Markets in developed countries are evolving to 

increase their demand for highly processed organic 

products as well as raw commodities. 

Besides fresh fruits and vegetables, potential sectors for 

growth include organic dairy, organic meat and 

aquaculture.


ORGANIC CERTIFICATION PROCESS


WHAT CAN BE CERTIFIED ? 

Crop production 

Animal husbandry

Food processing 


WHAT CAN BE CERTIFIED ? 

Handling


Operations that can be certified 

• Individual Farms 

• Groups (small holder organisation,contract) 

• Processors 

• Packers 

• Retailers 

• Traders/exporters 

• Importers 

The entire supply chain must undergo certification





Steps towards certification 

Choice of certifier 

• market requirements → certification standard(s) 

• must have the required accreditations for 

these standards 

• ISO 65 and /or IFOAM approval or accreditation & 

APEDA 

• competent, good service 

• good reputation, well accepted by buyers 

• price comparison


Operational Structure of National program for Organic 

Production(NPOP) – Indian Standard 

Government Of India 

Steering Committee for 

NPOP(members appointed by MoC) 

Accreditation Body (APEDA) 

Inspection Certification 

i 

Agency 

Farmers 

Traders 

Processors


WHAT ARE GROWER GROUPS? 

Group of small holding farmers 

Establish a legal entity for themselves- 

(cooperative,society,federation,etc) 

Contract t production, small scale processing units may also be 

certified 

Exporters,processors can be a part of the group.


REQUIREMENTS FOR GROWER GROUP 

CERTIFICATION UNDER CROP PRODUCTION 

 

At least half of the total land holding in the group should belong to farmers 

having less than 4 Ha. No limit to the total area. 

A minimum of 25 farmers should go into a grower group. Maximum 500 

farmers in a group. 

 

 

 

 

 

The farms have to be in geographical proximity. 

Similar cropping system must be adopted. 

Internal quality system should be maintained through ICS (Internal control 

system) 

Common certificate given to the entire group. 

Common marketing of the entire produce from the group.





















Organic certification Standards- NPOP 

• National Standards for 

production, processing, 

labeling, storage and 

transport of organic products 

• Accreditation Criteria for 

Certification and Inspection 

Agencies Ministry of 

Commerce and Industry, New 

Delhi


Contents of Organic Standards 

3.2Crop 

Production 

3.1General 

3.3 Animal 

Husbandry 

Organic 

Standards 

3.6 Storage 

& 

Transport 

3.4 Food 

Processing 

/Handling 

35L 3.5 Labelling


General Structure of each chapter / sub chapter 

•General 

Principle 

•Recomm 

endations 

•Standards 

of organic standard consists of


Subsections of the standards 3.1 and 3.2 

3.1General 

3.2Crop 

Production 

Conversion 

Period 

Conversion Requirements 

Landscape 

Crop Diversity 

Fertilization Policy 

Pest, disease and weed 

management 

Contamination 

Planting 

Material 

Soil il& Water Wt 

Conservation


Conversion Requirements 

• Starts from the date of 

Application to CB 

• Organic and conventional 

parts (Part farm conversion) 

• must be separate and 

inspectable 

• Simultaneous production of 

conventional, in conversion 

and or organic crops which 

cannot be clearly distinguished 

from each other is not allowed


Parallel Production not allowed 

Organic pineapplepp 

Conventional pineapple


Planting material 

• When organic planting materials are 

available they shall be used 

• When certified organic planting materials 

are not available, chemically untreated 

conventional materials shall be used 

• The use of genetically engineered seeds, 

pollen,transgene plants or planting 

material is not allowed


Conversion Period 

• Annuals-when the national 

standard requirements have been 

met for a minimum of 24 months 

before the start of production 

cycle 

• Perennials-when the national 

standard requirements have been 

met for a minimum of 36 months 

before harvest 

• The conversion period can be 

extended by the certification 

programme depending on past 

use of land and environmental 

conditions.It can also be reduced 

,minimum period 12 months


Fertilization Policy 

• Biodegradable material of microbial, 

plant or animal origin forms the basis 

• The total amount of microbial, plant 

or animal origin shall be limited by 

certification programme 

• Mineral fertilizers to be applied in their 

natural composition and not to be 

rendered soluble by chemical 

treatment. Exceptions as permitted by 

certification agency 

• Chilean nitrate & all synthetic 

nitrogenous fertilizers including urea 

are prohibited 

• Please refer to NPOP Appendix 1 for a 

detailed list of allowed inputs


Pest, Disease and Weed management 

• Plant, animal & microbial 

products locally produced at 

the farm are allowed 

• The use of synthetic herbicides, 

fungicides, insecticides and 

other pesticides is prohibited 

• Farm equipments from 

conventional farming systems 

shall be free from residues & 

clean


Pest, Disease and Weed management…….. 

• Thermic sterilisation of soils in 

places where a proper rotation or 

renewal of soil cannot take place 

as permitted by certification 

agency 

• Use of synthetic growth regulators 

& synthetic dyes prohibited 

• Use of genetically engineered 

organisms or products are 

prohibited


Soil and Water conservation 

• Clearing of land by burning organic matter 

shall be restricted to the minimum 

• Clearing of primary forest is prohibited 

• Relevant measures shall be taken to prevent 

erosion. 

• Excessive exploitation and depletion of 

water resources shall not be allowed. 

• Relevant measures shall be taken to prevent 

salination of soil and water


33A 3.3 Animal lHusbandry 1. AH Management 

2. AH Conversion Period 

3. Brought in animals 

4. Breeds and Breeding 

5. Mutilations 

6. Animal Nutrition 

7. Veterinary Medicine 

8. Transport and Slaughter 

9. Bee keeping


3.3.1 Animal Husbandry Management 

•Should provide for free movement, 

fresh air ,natural daylight, in tune 

with behavioral needs 

•Access to fresh water, feeding, resting 

and bedding facilities according to 

the needs of animals 

•Access to open air & grazing to be 

ensured 

•Poultry & rabbits shall not be kept 

in cages 

•Landless Animal Husbandry systems 

not allowed 

•Artificial lighting standards laid by 

the certification agency 

•Herd animals not to be kept individually 

except in allowed cases


3.3.2. AH conversion period 

• Animal products to be sold as 

organic only after the farm or 

relevant part of it has been 

under conversion for at least 

12 months 

• For dairy and egg production 

the animal production standard 

should have been met for not 

less than 30 days 

• Organic meat may be sold when 

the organic standards for 

the animals onthe farm have 

been met for 12 months


3.3.3. Brought – in Animals 

Non-availability of organic livestock to be substituted by brought in 

animals as per given age limits: 

• 2 day old chickens for meat production 

• 18 weeks old hens for egg production 

• 2 weeks old for any other poultry 

• Piglets-6 weeks and after weaning 

• Calves upto 4 weeks which have received colustrum 

• Breeding Stock brought in from conventional farms with a yearly 

y 

maximum of 10%of adult animals of the same species on the farm


334 3.3.4. Breeds and Breeding 

• Breeding System should ensure 

natural breeding 

• Artificial insemination is allowed 

• Embryo Transfer not allowed 

• Hormonal heat treatment and 

induced birth not allowed 

unless for medical reasons 

• Genetically Engineered 

species or breeds 

not allowed

335 3.3.5. Mutilations 

Mutilations are 

not allowed but 

castration ,tail 

docking, 

dehorning 

ringing are 

exceptions 

Sufferings shall be 

minimized and 

anesthetics used 

where 

appropriate 



3.3.6. Animal Nutrition 

•Certification programme shall 

draw up standards for feed 

and feed ingredients 

•At least 50% of the feed shall 

come from the farm itself or 

produced in co-operation with 

other farms in the region 

•Feed produced on the farm 

unit during first year of organic 

management may be classed 

as Organic 

•Synthetic chemicals, farm 

animal by-products, all types of 

excreta, pure amino acids, 

GMO not to be used in 

conventional and organic 

feeds

3.3.7. Veterinary Medicine 

•Use of conventional medicines 

when no other alternative is 

available. 

•Use of synthetic growth promoters, 

suppressors not to be used 

& Hormones for heat induction 

synchronization for reproductive 

disorders justified by veterinary 

indications 

•Vaccinations only when diseases 

are a problem in the region and 

cannot be controlled by other means 

as defined by certification agency 

•Legally required vaccines are 

allowed 

•Genetically engineered vaccines 

prohibited

3.3.8. Transport and Slaughter 

•Throughout the process a 

person shall be responsible for 

the well being of the animal 

•Handling during transport and 

slaughter shall be calm and 

gentle 

•The use of electric sticks and 

such instruments are prohibited 

•Chemically synthesised 

tranquilisers or stimulants shall not 

be given prior to or during 

transport 

•The journey time to the 

slaughter house by road shall not 

exceed 8 hours


3.3.9. Bee keeping. 

•Hives shall be situated in organically 

managed field and/ or wild natural areas 

and not to be close to conventional fields 

with exceptions made by certification 

bodies 

•Feeding only after last harvest before the 

monsoon when foraging feed is 

unavailable 

•Hives primarily made of natural materials 

•Wing clipping not allowed 

•Veterinary medicines not allowed 

•For pest & disease control disinfection 

formic, lactic, oxalic & acetic acids, 

sulphur, etheric oil & bacillus thuringiensis 

used 

•Persistent materials not to be used where 

there is possibility ii of permeation of honey & 

where residues are distributed in the area 

through dead bees


Food and Food Processing 

1. General 

2. Pest and Disease Control 

3. Ingredients, Additives etc 

4. Processing Methods 

5. Packaging

341 3.4.1. General 


•Co-mingling of organic and inorganic 

products not allowed 

•Certification prgramme shall set standards 

to prevent and control pollutants and 

contaminants 

•Organic and non-organic organic products shall 

not be stored and transported together 

except when labelled or separated together 

•The means and measures for 

decontamination ,cleaning or disinfection of 

all facilities where organic products are kept, 

handled, processed or stored shall be 

regulated by the certification programme 

•Storage at ambient temperature, 

controlled atmosphere cooling, freezing 

drying ,humidity regulation are the methods 

permitted for storage 

•Ethylene gas is permitted for ripening


342 3.4.2. Pest and Disease control 

•Disruption ,elimination of habitat, access to 

facilities, mechanical biological and 

physical methods to control the pest in the 

order of priority 

•Irradiation is prohibited 

•There shall be no direct or indirect contact 

t 

between organic products and prohibited 

substances ( e.g. pesticides) 

•Persistent or carcinogenic pesticides and 

disinfectants are 

not allowed


3.4.3. Ingredients, Additives and Processing aids 

•Non organic ingredients only as 

authorised by certification agency 

•One ingredient not to be both organic 

and non organic in origin 

•Water &salt may be used 

•Minerals, vitamins& isolated ingredients 

not to be used 

•Microbial &enzymatic preparations 

except GMO & their products can be 

used 

•Use of additives & processing aids to be 

restricted


3.4.4 Processing Methods 

•Mechanical, physical, biological, 

smoking, extraction, precipitation, 

p 

filtration methods are allowed 

•Extraction with food grade quality 

water, ethanol, plant& 

animal oils, vinegar, carbondiooxide 

,nitrogen or 

carboxylic acids allowed 

•No irradiation allowed 

•No asbestos or harmful products in 

filtration substances


3.4.5. Packaging 

g 

•Material used for 

packaging shall not 

contaminate food 

•The certification 

programme shall have 

a policy to reduce the 

environmental effects 

of packaging material


3.5. Labeling 

•Producer should be 

identifiable 

Single ingredient products 

labelled as organic only when 

all standard requirements are 

met 

•In mixed products when a 

minimum of 95% of ingredients 

are organic it can be labeled 

organic otherwise labeled 

• as “made with organic 

ingredients” mentioning 

proportion organic 

ingredients. when


3.5. Labeling g( (Cont’d… 

•Added water & salt not included in the 

% calculations of organic products 

•Label for conversion & organic 

products should be distinguishable 

•Raw materials to be listed in order of 

their weight % & additives listed with 

their full name 

•Organic products not to be labeled as 

genetic engineering or genetic 

modification free


3.6. Storage and Transport 

•Organic products to be handled 

separately a e from inorganic products in 

mixed units 

•Bulk stores of organic products to be 

separated from conventional product 

stores& clearly labeled to that effect 

•Storage areas & transport containers for 

organic products 

to be cleaned using methods & materials 

used for organic 

production 

•All sorts of contamination to be avoided


RISK ANALYSIS: EXAMPLE 

AND EXERCISE


Risk Assessment and Risk Management 

• Risks that may jeopardize organic 

quality must be known and taken 

into account in all internal 

procedures. 

• Therefore, the ICS must do an 

initial risk assessment. All 

necessary measures must be 

taken by the ICS to minimize risks. 

• The external inspector has to do 

an overall risk assessment to 

determine the minimum reinspection 

rate and to be aware 

of critical control points.


Risk Management 

• A detailed initial risk assessment must be 

completed once preferably at the 

beginning of certification 

(first year of certification or when 

informed about this requirement by 

certifier) 

• The risk assessment has to identify risks 

on the farm level as well as during 

buying, processing or (export) 

transporting, as far as the product is 

under responsibility of the ICS operator. 

• The ICS takes all measures to minimize 

the identified relevant risks. 

• There should be continuous monitoring 

of the critical control points


Risk Assessment by the ICS Operator 

Farmer harvests 

Drying at farm 

Quality aspects (ripe) 

Commingling (dry product 

Any protection against 

Pest protection drying yard 

Use of pesticides against ants 

Hygienic contamination 

insects, other animals 

Product quality 

Contamination (drying at road, 

Use of inputs in intercrops 

of other farms, joint drying) 

Contaminated picking bags 

close to spraying farmer, 

Mixing org. - buffer zone crops 

malaria prevention program) 

Packing/ storage 

at farm 

Contaminated bags 

Labeled 

Commingling with last year’s ’ 

product stock (other status) 

Product quality 

Storage pest control 

Use of any ingredients/auxiliaries 

Exercise


INTERNAL 

INSPECTION


Internal Inspection 

Each registered 

farmer is 

inspected by 

the internal 

control at least 

twice in a year. 

The inspection is 

documented.


• 100% Internal Inspection 

100% of all growers are inspected annually by the ICS 

ALL registered farmers: active farmers, conversion 

farmers, new farmers, passive farmers (remain in the 

organic program but no purchase planned for 

respective year) 

In case of annual crops (time from planting to 

harvest is less than 8 months) there has to be one 

inspection per growing season (if many short 

seasons twice/yr sufficient) 

i If the internal inspections are not yet finalized at the 

time of inspection, will the ICS be able to finalize 

100% inspection in time? ⇒ will need to submit proof 

on 100% inspection 

Check farmers list (should contain inspection details) 

Ask ICS Coordinator for current overview of 

inspections 

Understand system and how they ensure 100% 

inspection


What has to be Checked in the Internal 

Inspection? 

Organic fields and 

non-organic fields 

Farmers records 

(if available) 

Inspection must 

cover 

Harvest 

activities, Farm 

processing 

Storage 

(products 

and inputs) 

Boundaries, 

Risks of 

contamination 

Livestock 

The internal inspection always includes aphysical field visit, an interview of the 

farmer (or representative)


Critical Control Points of Internal Inspections 

Have all crops that grow on the organic fields 

been checked? 

• e.g., intercropping conventional cardamom 

in the organic pepper plot 

• Is production of all crops on the organic 

plot(s) checked? 

• Incl. seeds of intercrops in organic fields 

Are all fields that are managed by the farmer 

registered? 

No parallel production 

Overall activities of farmer must be known 

be aware of inputs for conventional fields 

(where stored???) 

Important to know for various private organic 

standards 

Registration ti is the very minimum, i and usually a 

spot check of conventional fields is required 

(if they are close, they shall be checked)


Effectiveness of the Internal Inspections 

• Internal inspections are thorough; all 

non‐compliances with the internal 

(and external) standard have been 

duly identified. 

•Appropriate sanctions are 

communicated to the farmer. ICS has 

followed up. 

•The inspection report is completed 

and signed 

by the inspector (A) 

and by the farmer (B). 

•Noncompliances found by extension, 

etc. (not during internal inspection) 

are also documented.


The internal inspectors are qualified for a thorough and objective 

inspection. inspector receives at least 1 training/ i year 

•Qualification of inspectors can be 

checked during farm reinspections, 

witness audits, and 

through interviews 

•Can they really do thorough 

inspections? (e.g., they may be 

too young to ask elders critical 

questions) 

•Good ideas for effective 

inspectors trainings may include 

accompanied inspections and on 

farm-training in inspection 

methods 

•Participation i and content t of 

training must be documented


Yields 

•There is a system to 

estimate t yields 

before beginning 

harvest 

•by field officers 

and/or 

•during internal 

inspection, etc. 

•Yield estimates are 

reasonably 

accurate. 

•Yield estimates are 

ready before harvest


Conflicts of Interest 

•The objectivity of decisions made 

by the ICS may not be jeopardized 

by conflicts of interest 

•ICS needs conflicts of interest 

declarations for inspectors & 

approval al staff. 

•Conflicts of interest must be 

avoided. A person may not 

inspect/approve his/her own farm, 

nor the farms of neighbors, close 

friends, or family 

•If there have been potential 

conflicts of interest – check that 

they have not resulted in unfair 

An inspector cannot inspect his close friends or family 

assessment or neglect of important 

facts


Difference between Inspection and 

Extension? 

•Internal inspection checks 

compliance with ALL aspects of 

the internal organic standard 

Covers more than an average 

extension visit with focus on 

advice and documentation 

•Internal inspection of each farmer 

is substituted for external 

inspection; thus it is a formal and 

documented complete check of 

the whole farm and its activities 

by a neutral person


Inspection vs. Field Advice 

•Field extension service (farm advice) is an important 

aspect of an organic project and often field extensionists 

are at the same time internal inspectors. 

•However, field extensionists tend to be very close to the 

farmers; they often live in the same village and therefore 

are often not “neutral” enough for the actual inspection. 

•Many ICS Operators solve this problem by exchanging 

field officers (advisors) among project regions for internal 

inspections. 

•However, in certain cases it can also be accepted that 

one person does both the field extension and the internal 

inspection, but, at minimum, they should be clearly 

separate events. This is only possible if the advisor is 

“distant” enough from farmers to ensure an impartial 

inspection. 

•Informing the farmers of the standard d requirements and 

the functioning is not considered consultancy. An 

internal inspection may also include some advice.


Internal Inspections 

•Every farmer registered in ICS has to be 

inspected atleast once in a year 

•Ensure all farmers are complying with 

organic standards 

•Farmers violating the internal 

regulations: to be removed from the 

programme 

•The products of those farmers are 

separated and not mixed with CO 

products 

•The internal inspections and results are 

to be properly documented 

•There should be strict following of 

sanction catalogue and imposition of 

sanctions should be done impartially


APPROVAL 

PROCEDURE AND 

COMMITTEE


Have only committed farmers 

‣ The organization must have procedures to 

approve or reject farmers 

•E.g., the ICS Coordinator screens all 

reports and, if found ok, signs the report 

and updates the information in the 

farmers list. 

• All internal farm checklists are screened 

by the internal approval staff (Organic 

Approval Manager and/or the Organic 

Approval Committee, see chapter 6.2) 

with special focus on critical/difficult 

cases. The assessment of the internal 

inspector is checked, the (internal) 

certification status determined, and 

conditions set (if necessary). 

 

 

 

 

 

X 

X 

 

 

 

X


Organic Approval Manager 

There has to be a qualified person 

(“Organic Approval Manager”) or 

certification committee who is assigned to 

take the internal approval decisions. 

Approval personnel e must be qualified 

•. and able to take objective approval 

decisions. 

There has to be a CV, a signed 

declaration of conflicts of interest, a 

written contract with list of 

responsibilities available for all 

approval personnel 

 

 

X

X 

 

 

 


Sanction Procedures 

If minor, medium, or major non-compliances have been identified, 

appropriate p measures have been taken to correct them 

• There should be a sanction catalogue in place with list of 

identified non compliances and type of sanctions. It needs to 

be defined d what happens in case of non-compliances (list of 

sanctions) and how the sanction measures are implemented. 

• All relevant staff should be informed 

• The sanctions should be documented (list of sanctioned 

farmers, documentation of identified non-conformities in files). 

• Farmers that have used prohibited inputs in their organic 

crop must undergo again the full conversion period (if they 

remain in the organic project). 

• If any contaminated product that has already been sold as 

organic, it must have been de-certified, and the ics must 

have followed up and taken appropriate measures


Status t in the grower list 

 

X 

 

 

 

 

• From second certification 

onwards, the farmers lists 

reflect at least the internal 

approval status for each 

farmers: OK, passive, 

sanctioned, etc. (A) or states 

even the exact conversion 

status: org. / conversion 1/ 

conversion 2 etc. (B) 

•Conversion status: according 

to rules agreed upon with 

certifier


What Should Be Done if There Are Problems? 

Problem 

Investigate 

• What happened? 

• Why? 

• When ? 

• What products/ lots 

are concerned? 

Decision 

• by organic approval 

manager /OAC 

• Sanctions 

• Corrective measures 

Note: Serious problems should 

always be reported immediately to 

the ICS Coordinator 

Act! 

Document!


Examples of Types of Sanction 

Sanction 

• Written condition 

• Penalty 

ICS will fine farmers 

• Suspension for a fixed period 

until the farmer takes corrective 

actions requested (remains 

certified) 

• Decertification of farmers --> 

Renewed conversion period of 

36 months 

• Farmer banned from ICS 

membership either permanently 

or for a set time. 

Situation when sanction applies 

• Minor deficiencies in record keeping, 

weak farm management. Minor violations 

of the standards or regulations 

• Repeated written condition for similar 

problem 

Not responding to conditions 

Major deficiencies in record keeping 

• Repeated minor violations 

Clear violation of the standards but not 

threatening the organic integrity of the 

product. 

• Clear violation of the standards 

d 

threatening the organic integrity of the 

product. 

• Obvious fraud, intentional obstruction of 

the inspection process, refusal to respond 

to written requests


Examples of Non-compliances & Sanctions 

Example of Noncompliance 

Farmer has sprayed his/her organic crops 

Farmer has sprayed home consumption 

crops intercropped with organic crop 

Farmer has sprayed home consumption 

garden far away from organic garden but not 

allowed per internal regulation 

Farmer has neglected his farm and has not 

taken any soil improvement measures 

De-certified coffee has been mixed with 

organic coffee of fellow farmers in village 

Farmer sells double his estimated harvest 

Buying officer has bought from uncertified 

farmers 

Example of Sanction / Reaction 

Farmer de-certified for 3 years (new conversion) 

Possibly expelled from organic program 

Check whether products already purchased 

Farmer de-certified for 3 years (new conversion) 

Possibly expelled from organic program 

Check whether products are already bought 

Farmer suspended as punishment for 1 yr. 

Sprayed plot recorded on map as conventional 

Additional training for farmer 

Written/oral condition to farmer 

Additional training 

If repeatedly: discuss whether shall remain member 

Find out which lots are “contaminated” 

Mark these lots as conventional 

Send field officer to investigate in the fields 

If farmer has sold products of somebody else – expel 

from organic program 

Find where the conventional product is now, 

downgrade product to conventional. If already sold, 

inform certifier. 

Train buying officer (or dismiss him if fraud)


Consequences and Necessary Measures after Detection of 

Farmer’s Use of Prohibited Inputs 

The fields of the farmer must once again 

undergo the full conversion period Document the sanction in the farm file, 

farmers list (take farmer on sanctioned 

list), and purchase list 

Check whether the farmer has 

already delivered produce 

Assure that the farmer remains 

sanctioned for the next 3 years 

Check whether his produce has 

been commingled with other 

organic produce 

If produce has been commingled, the 

certifier needs to be notified 

immediately and the commingled 

produce kept separate until further 

instructed. 

Inform the field officer and purchase staff that purchasing from 

this producer is not allowed during the period of sanction


ICS 

DOCUMENTATION


Minimum Farm Documentation 

The following documentation is 

needed d for each farmer. The 

documentation is usually kept in 

farm files: 

• Formal commitment of growers to 

fulfill the internal standard (written 

contract) 

• Basic Farm Data Form / Farm 

Entrance Form with field history 

• Updated production information 

•Maps (if required for single farmer) 

• Notes on important training or 

advice given to the farmer by field 

officer / other important notes from 

field officers 

• Annual ‘Farm Inspection Checklist’


Summary of the Internal Control 

The result of the internal control needs to be 

resumed as follows: 

• Farmers List with information on 

1. Name and code of the farmer 

2. Total area and area under organic crop 

3. Date of registration ti and date of last use of 

forbidden products 

4. Date of internal inspection and result 

5. Name of internal inspector 

6. List of sanctioned farmers with reason and 

duration of the sanction


GROWERS' LIST 

Sl. 

No. 

Cod 

e 

No. 

Name of the farmer 

Total Organic Sugarcane Paddy Ragi Banana Mulbery Coconut trees 

area( 

ha) 

area(ha 

) 

area(ha) 

Est.yie 

ld (t) 

area 

(ha) 

Est.yi 

eld (t) 

are 

a(h 

a) 

Est.y 

ield 

(t) 

area 

(ha) 

Est.yi 

eld (t) 

area( 

ha) 

Est.y 

ield 

(t) 

No. 

of 

tree 

No. 

of 

Nut 

s 

Coup 

ea 

Est.y 

ield 

(t) 

Gree 

n 

gram 

Est.yi 

eld 

(t) 

Blac 

k 

gram 

Est.y 

ield 

(t) 

Sesam 

um 

Est.yiel 

d (t) 

Vegitabl 

es 

Est.yiel 

d (t) 

1 

Had 

006 

Ramakrishna H.C. 2.30 2.30 1.00 40.00 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 70 

100 

00 

0.0 0.00 0.00 0 0.2


Commitment Declaration/Farmers Contract 

The written contract (commitment 

declaration) needs to include: 

Obligations of the farmer: 

• To comply with the 

requirements of the internal 

organic standard (A) 

• To give access to the fields, 

stores and documents (B) 

• To accept sanctions in case 

of deviations (B) 

Organic Production Rules 

Summary of internal organic 

standard or reference to 

internal organic standard (B)


The Farmers Contract 

t 

Other aspects often included in the contract 

• ICS operator to provide advice to the farmers 

and to co-ordinate the internal and external 

inspection and to organise the purchase. 

•Prices, product quality requirements. 

• Rules for leaving the project / cancellation of 

contract. 

• Farmer needs to announce non-conformities 

of fellow farmers to the ICS.


Contract or Commitment Declaration? 

•Some ICS operators choose to sign the 

actual contract with farmers only shortly 

before the farmers reach organic status and 

their products will be bought. 

•In this case there needs to be at least a 

commitment t declaration to adhere to 

organic rules from the beginning of the 

certification (often in basic farm data 

form/farm entrance form).


Internal Organic Standard 

- all crops have to be farmed 

organically 

- no chemical fertilisers or 

pesticides 

- ensure sustainability of production 

- only use organic coffee seedlings 

- cows to use mainly own fodder 

and natural tick control 

- if new land - indicate to field 

officer. 3 year conversion from last 

application of unallowed inputs 

The Basic Farm Data Form 

The basic farm data form/farm entrance form/Registration form 

needs to include: 

• Registration data of the farmer: name, address, code (A) 

•Description of all area under management of the farmer (B) 

•Organic crops and their respective area or number of plants (B) 

• Number of animals (B) 

•The date of the last application of prohibited inputs must be recorded 

for all plots (A) 

• Plot/area registration is critical. List of all plots may be most appropriate. Sometimes better to 

describe the situation per crop or to indicate the cropping information in maps. 

• System must be adapted to the situation and must allow an overview of ALL organic/nonorganic 

fields and crops under management of the farmer ( also fields for non-certified 

crops) 

• In many cases it is better to record field history for each plot (crops of past years) than just 

the last date of application of prohibited inputs


Maps 

An overview map (village or community 

map) must be available 

• shows the location of each farm with the 

code numbers for each farmer 

If rotating annual crops are grown or if there 

is a conventional farm unit, there must be 

a farm map for each farmer 

• Needs to show each plot/field and the 

respective crops 

• Neighboring fields, their cultivation system, 

and risks of drift should be indicated 

• Landmarks and streets/paths should be 

indicated 

•Neighboring g farms may be combined – if 

still possible to identify each plot and its 

crops 

• All maps must be dated


Sample Map


Content of the ‚Internal Farm Inspection Report’ 

The ‘Internal Farm Inspection Report’ covers 

all certification-relevant farm aspects 

•Evaluation of cultivation measures: 

fertilization & soil conservation, plant 

protection measure, use of inputs, use of 

seeds 

•Verification if there is a risk of 

contamination (drift, storing of inputs, use of 

sprayers etc.) 

•Measures in case of part-conversion 

Sustainable animal husbandry (if required 

by standard) 

•Yield estimates (can also be kept in 

separate documentation) 

•Harvest and post-harvest handling g( (if 

relevant) 

•The report checks management of all 

crops (like the inspection) with main focus

The internal control needs 

to provide yield estimates 

of the crop to be certified 

for each farmer. The 

estimates need to be 

available before harvest 

(or for a defined harvest 

period). 


Yield Estimates


Compliance Check in the Internal Farm Inspection 

Report 

•The internal inspection report should make a 

clear compliance statement 

•Evaluation of the compliance of the farmer 

with internal organic standard 

•Determination of sanctions in case of non- 

compliance 

•Evaluation of the fulfilment of previous 

conditions 

•Signed by the farmer and the internal 

inspector 

•Contains sometimes also approval decision of 

the organisation


Update Farming Records 

Records for low input use 

•Sufficient to register the following information 

in the annual internal control checklist: 

•Use of inputs (incl. homemade preparations) 

•Harvested quantities 

•New fields/changes in area 

•Better: a farm diary kept additionally by the 

farmer 

Records for high use of inputs or complex 

production systems 

•Annual update information needs to be 

available: 

•Main cultivation measures 

•Use of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides) 

•Harvested quantities 

•Changes in area 

•Continuous recording necessary (either 

farmer or field officer) 

•Information needs to be consolidated (in 

farm inspection report or annual update 

questionnaire)

Good Agricultural practices ORGANIC FARMING - Efresh India

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?